Gay Purr-ee

Gay Purr-ee is a 1962 animated musical produced by United Productions of America and released by Warner Bros. Studios that was directed by the renowned Abe Levitow, a seasoned animation director with credits in both Warner Bros. and MGM animation projects. Famous for combining exceptional animation, voice talent, and music, Gay Purr-ee introduces an enchanting, one-of-a-kind narrative that captivates both kids and adults.

The film introduces a cast of lovably eccentric characters headlined by the inimitable Judy Garland, in what is her only animated film role, and supported by acclaimed entertainer Robert Goulet and popular comedian Red Buttons. This film is primarily known for its brilliant merging of artistic animation with some of the biggest names in Hollywood during that era.

The narrative revolves around Mewsette (voiced by Judy Garland), a stunningly beautiful but naive country cat from the rural regions of France. Dreaming of a more sophisticated life, Mewsette embarks on an adventure into the heart of Paris, the city of love and fashion. Vividly capturing the charm of its location, Gay Purr-ee presents Paris in stunningly detailed watercolour background art, inspired by renowned French painters like Claude Monet and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

As Mewsette navigates her way through the vibrant cityscape, she is soon disillusioned by the harsh realities. When faced with trials and tribulations, she crosses paths with Meowrice (voiced by Paul Frees), a conniving city cat who views Mewsette as a ticket to wealth and schemes to sell her to a wealthy American cat back in the United States.

Meanwhile, the dedicated and loyal Jaunty (voiced by Red Buttons), Mewsette's love interest, becomes worried about her sudden disappearance. Together with the sophisticated Robespierre (voiced by Robert Goulet), Jaunty leaves the French countryside and ventures into the chaotic city of Paris, undertaking a heroic rescue journey to save Mewsette from the clutches of the devious Meowrice.

Elegantly crafted, Gay Purr-ee unveils a high-spirited plot accompanied by delightful musical scores which ranges from charming ditties to heartfelt ballads. The film serves up a medley of songs written by the lyricist and composer duo of E. Y. Harburg and Harold Arlen, famous for their work on The Wizard of Oz. Judy Garland's phenomenal vocal performance shines brightly in the film, particularly during the performance of the poignant "Take My Hand, Paree" and the vivacious "Bubbles."

The film surprisingly delves into darker tones, embracing a more sophisticated realm and defying the conventions of the 'typical' children's movie, which some critics suggest is why it didn't achieve major commercial success. Nonetheless, it is considered a cult classic today and is admired for its unique story, incredible voice casting, and remarkable animation techniques.

Gay Purr-ee stands as a testament to the ambitious experiments in animation during the 1960s. It seamlessly combines drama, comedy, musical, and romance into a feast for the senses and leaves viewers with the understanding of the timeless saying "there's no place like home." Despite its age, the movie remains a sparkling gem that succeeds in creating a nostalgia-infused, charming, and alluring world that still impresses today.

Overall, Gay Purr-ee is a delightful cinematic treat. Its strengths lie in its captivating animation, entertaining plot, lively characters, and memorable musical features. It's a film that holds the ability to make viewers of all ages genuinely laugh, feel a sense of suspense, and stay captivated by its colourful world and engaging storytelling.